A Novel, Reusable, Ultrasound-Guided Pericardiocentesis Simulation Model

Given the rarity of emergency pericardiocentesis, deliberate effort must be made by the physician to maintain competence in performing this procedure. Herein we describe the construction of a low-cost, reusable, high-fidelity simulation model for ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis. Sixteen emergency medicine residents participated in a procedure lab using the model and then evaluated the model's efficacy using a survey. Results of this survey found that most participants believed that the model was easy to use and that it increased their competency. There was also a significant increase in self-reported Likert-rated confidence in performing pericardiocentesis before and after simulation (1.63 to 3.81; P < .001).